The bill, authored by Senator Scott Dibble's (DFL-Minneapolis), removes home cultivation of marijuana for medical use and calls for tracking growth from seed to sale.

The state's health commissioner says the proposal, even with its changes, creates a risky shortcut for a substance of variable quality and strength.

"Knowing the significant variations and potency and quality how would they advise patients how to use cannabis. What's the recommend dosage? What are the side effects? Or potentially worrisome interactions with other medications they may be taking. What's even more troubling to me is this legislation bypasses significant part of doctor patient relationship," said Dr. Ed Ehlinger, a pediatrician and state health commissioner."

Advocates say medical marijuana will help their sick children suffering from uncontrollable seizures.